7.17 Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Protection Engineering

7 7 7.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS

7.1 General Approach 7.13 Portable Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets 221 Introduction 221 General 7.14 Fire Protection for Storage Facilities

7.2 Certificate of Occupancy 7.15 Special Fire Protection Requirements 233 Essential Electronic Facilities 7.3 Fire Safety During Construction and Renovations 234 Elevator Systems 234 Atrium Smoke Removal System 7.4 Commissioning 235 Smoke Control Systems 235 Fire Protection Requirements for 7.5 Building Construction Cooling Towers 224 Fireproofing 235 Child Care Centers 235 Courthouses 7.6 Interior Finishes 235 Border Stations 235 Laboratories 7.7 Occupancy Classifications 7.16 Emergency Power, Lighting and Exit Signage 7.8 Means of Egress 7.17 Fire Alarm Systems 7.9 Water Supply for Fire Protection 236 Fire Alarm System Installation 227 Fire Pump Installation 237 Manual Fire Alarm Stations 237 Waterflow 7.10 Water Based Fire Extinguishing Systems 237 Smoke Detectors 228 Automatic Sprinkler System Installation 237 Audible Notification Appliances 228 Sprinkler System Design 238 Visible Notification Appliances 7 228 Types of Sprinklers 238 Fire Alarm Messages for 229 Sprinkler Piping System High Rise Occupancies 229 Special Sprinkler System Requirements 239 Graphic Annunciator 239 Survivability 7.11 Non-Water Based Fire Extinguishing Systems 239 Fire Command Center

7.12 Standpipes and Fire Department Hose Outlets 7.18 Historic Structures

James H. Quillen United States Courthouse Greeneville, Tennessee Architect: Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, Inc. GSA Project Manager: Donna Lamb Photo: Robert M. Fouts

220 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 0 Table of Contents Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 A registered fire protection engineer is required to be a 7.1 General Approach full participant of the architect/engineer (A/E) design team for the project. The design team fire protection Introduction engineer must have at least 6 years experience from which GSA’s approach in the construction of new facilities and at least 3 consecutive years are directly involved in the fire renovation projects is to design facilities that incorporate protection engineering field. This same or an equally efficient, cost-effective fire protection and detection competent professional must remain on the A/E’s project systems that are effective in detecting and extinguishing or staff for the entire design of the project and shall perform controlling a fire event. The primary goal is to protect the design of all fire protection and life safety systems human life from fire and products of combustion. The including but not limited to: building construction, secondary goals are to reduce the potential loss from fire occupancy classifications, means of egress, water supply, (i.e., Federal real and personal property and maintain fire alarm system(s), water based fire extinguishing client agency mission continuity) to the Federal systems, non-water based fire extinguishing systems, fire Government and taxpayer. dynamics calculations, egress calculations, smoke control calculations, etc. See Appendix A for specific submission General requirements. Scope. This chapter provides the technical fire protection requirements and design criteria for GSA facilities to meet For all projects involving fire protection engineering the goals identified above. The majority of the fire protec- issues, a dialog must be established between the design tion requirements are contained in numerous national team fire protection engineer and the GSA regional fire codes and standards. Compliance with national codes and protection engineer. The GSA regional fire protection standards is explained, and areas where GSA’s requirements engineer shall have the right to revise the specific differ from the referenced national codes and standards requirements within this chapter based on a technical are delineated. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), evaluation/analysis and the project’s specific need. for all technical requirements of this chapter, for all fire protection and life safety code interpretations and code Deviations from established requirements are allowed enforcement requirements is the GSA regional fire when the Design Team’s registered fire protection protection engineer. engineer performs an assessment that analyzes the risks. The GSA regional fire protection engineer shall review the Applicability.The technical fire protection requirements technical documentation to determine that the proposed are primarily directed to the construction of new facilities alternative design is deemed equivalent or superior to the and renovation projects. Performance based designs are intent of the prescribed requirements of this chapter. Refer encouraged. to Chapter 1 for additional information.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 221 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 General Approach 7.1 The regional fire protection engineer is authorized to 7.2 Certificate of Occupancy issue a temporary certificate of occupancy. This certificate shall allow partial occupancy of specific areas, prior to No new building or portion thereof shall be occupied completion of the building. All life safety and fire protec- until the regional fire protection engineer has issued a tion systems serving the areas proposed for occupancy certificate of occupancy to the GSA Project Manager. and all floors below shall be completed, inspected, Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be successfully tested and approved by the regional fire construed as an approval of any violation of a Code or protection engineer. The temporary certificate of occu- GSA design standard or criteria. pancy shall identify the specific area(s) of the building where occupancy is permitted. Following the issuance Once the regional fire protection engineer has ensured of a temporary certificate of occupancy, the regional fire that to the best of their knowledge all fire protection protection engineer shall set a time frame for the com- and life safety systems have been completed, inspected, pletion, inspection, testing and approval of all life safety successfully tested and approved and all outstanding fire and fire protection systems, and the correction of any and life safety deficiencies have been corrected to afford outstanding life safety and fire protection deficiencies. a reasonable degree of safety to the building occupants Upon completion, inspection, successful testing and from fire and similar emergencies, a certificate of approval of all fire protection and life safety systems occupancy will be issued to the GSA Project Manager. and correction of all outstanding fire and life safety deficiencies, the regional fire protection engineer will issue a certificate of occupancy for the entire building to the GSA Project Manager.

222 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 2 Certiﬁcate of Occupancy Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 7.3 Fire Safety During 7.4 Commissioning

Construction and Renovations The design team’s fire-safety engineer shall identify and coordinate commissioning practices with the General. Fire safety during construction and renovations Construction Manager, Project Manager, and (if shall comply with the requirements of the International contracted separately) the Commissioning Authority, Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and for the project’s programmed performance goals. As NFPA 241. appropriate, coordinate with other disciplines to fully enable required testing and certifications. Incorporate into Fire Protection Systems. Disruptions to fire alarm construction specifications those testing and certification and sprinkler systems shall be kept to a minimum or requirements that involve construction contractors. avoided. Delineate phasing of construction to ensure that Examples of possible programmed performance goals installations of new systems are expedited, and existing include: systems are kept in service until the replacement system is operational. If fire protection systems are to be disrupted, • Fire Alarm System Testing. procedures shall be incorporated into the design to • Smoke Control System Effectiveness. maintain equivalent levels of fire protection and provide • Areas of Refuge Pressurization. formal notification to the facility while systems are down. • Effectiveness of Building Automation System Interface. The regional fire protection engineer shall make the final • Functionality of Applied Innovative Technologies. determination of the adequacy of proposed equivalent levels of fire protection prior to the disruption of any fire protection system. For example, the provision of a 24 hour fire watch by qualified individuals may provide an equivalent level of fire protection during system disruption in some circumstances.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 223 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Fire Safety During Construction and Renovations/Commissioning 7. 3 Concealed Sprayed-on Fireproofing. 7.5 Building Construction • Density: The greater of 240 kg/m3 (15 pounds per cubic foot) or the density required to attain the Types of Construction. For each construction type, required fire resistance rating. Test method design fire resistive ratings of structural members in ASTM E 605. accordance with the requirements of the International • Thickness: The greater of 10 mm (0.375 inches) or the Building Code. thickness required for the fire resistive design. Test method ASTM E 605. Panel and Curtain Walls. All panel and curtain walls • Bond Strength: 1030 kPa (150 PSI). Test method shall meet the requirements for nonbearing walls in the ASTM E 736. type of construction involved and shall be securely • Compressive Strength: 35 kPa (5.21 PSI). Test method anchored to the building so as to prevent failure of the ASTM E 761. anchors during fire. Exterior Exposed Fireproofing. Fireproofing shall not be Fire Stopping. Fire stopping shall be provided in all exposed to the outside environment unless there are no openings between exterior walls (including panel, curtain, viable options. However, if this must occur, precautions and spandrel walls) and floor slabs, and openings in floors must be made to protect fireproofing from light, moisture, and shaft enclosures, to form an effective fire and smoke rain, sleet and snow, and damage from other sources. barrier between stories.

Fireproofing All fireproofing (cementitious or fiber) used shall be specified to meet the following requirements:

Sprayed-on Fireproofing. • Deflection: No cracking, spalling or delamination. Test method ASTM E 759. • Impact on Bonding: No cracking, spalling or delamination. Test method ASTM E 760. • Corrosion Resistance: No corrosion. Test method ASTM E 937. • Air Erosion: Maximum weight loss of 0.27 g/m2 (0.025 grams per square foot) in 24 hours. Test method ASTM E 859. • Burning Characteristics: Maximum flame spread rating of 10 for concealed fireproofing, 5 for exposed fireproofing, and smoke development rating of 0. Test method ASTM E 84.

224 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 5 Building Construction Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 7.6 Interior Finishes 7.7 Occupancy Classiﬁcations

The interior finish requirements for walls, ceilings, floors, General. Occupancy classifications shall meet the require- draperies, curtains, and movable partitions shall meet the ments of the International Building Code. requirements of the International Building Code.

Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede the requirements of the International Building Code:

• Adhesives and other materials used for the installation of carpets shall be limited to those having a ﬂash point of 140 degrees F or higher. • All other materials composed of combustible substances, such as wood (e.g., plywood, 600 mm by 1200 mm (2 feet by 4 feet) wood boards, etc.) shall be treated with ﬁre-retardant chemicals by a pressure- impregnation process or other methods that treats the materials throughout (as opposed to surface treatment).

Courtroom, Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston, WV

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 225 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Interior Finishes/Occupancy Classifications 7. 6 Stair Identification Signs. In addition to meeting the 7.8 Means of Egress requirements of the NFPA 101, the stair identification signs shall meet the following requirements: General. The egress requirements in NFPA 101 shall be used in lieu of the egress requirements in the • The signs shall have a background made of International Building Code. photoluminescent material complying with ASTM E 2072-00 as a minimum standard. Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede • The signs shall be a minimum size of 12 inches by 12 the requirements of the NFPA 101: inches. • The large letter and number type shall be a minimum of • In buildings that are fully sprinklered, 1-hour fire rated 1-1/2 inches tall. corridors shall not be required. • The small letter and number type shall be a minimum of • In buildings that are fully sprinklered, enclosure of the 9/16" tall. elevator lobbies shall not be required. • The directional arrows shall be a minimum of 1-3/8 • Interlocking (scissor) stairs that occupy a single inches tall. (communicating) stair shaft shall count as only one exit • Letters and numbers on the signs shall have a width- stair. A minimum of two exit stairs is required for any to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1; and a stroke width- multi-story building. to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. •For common paths of travel and dead end corridors, GSA permits the NFPA 101 exceptions for sprinkler protec- For projects in historic structures, the design team shall tion to apply to fully sprinklered individual floors, even if consult with the Regional Historic Preservation Officer the other floors of the building are not sprinklered. regarding these requirements.

Fire Escapes. Fire escapes, as defined in the NFPA 101, Stair Treads. In addition to meeting the requirements shall not be considered approved exits. of the NFPA 101, stair treads shall incorporate photoluminescent paint or photolumi-nescent adhesive strips Stairway Pressurization. In fully sprinklered new that are to be applied to the leading edge of the stair construction having occupied floors located more than tread. Photoluminescent materials shall comply with 75 feet above the level of exit discharge or more than 30 ASTM E 2072-00 as a minimum standard. For projects in feet below the level of exit discharge, exit stairways shall historic structures, the design team shall consult with the be pressurized in accordance with the requirements of Regional Historic Preservation Officer regarding these the International Building Code. requirements.

226 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 8 Means of Egress Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Fire Pump Installation 7.9 Water Supply The fire pump shall be installed in accordance with the for Fire Protection requirements of NFPA 20. Fire Pump Operations. A fire pump shall start automati- Adequacy of Water Supply. The designer shall assess cally at 69 kPa (10 psi) below jockey pump start pressure. adequacy of the existing water supply. The designer Fire pumps shall be designed for manual or automatic shall perform water supply flow testing of fire hydrants shut down. Manual shut down of the fire pump will and/or fire pumps. If data less than one year old is ensure that the pump does not shut down prematurely available from the local jurisdiction, the designer shall before controlling the fire. verify the locations involved as well as the quality and accuracy of the data. Fire Pump Controller. The power transfer switch and the fire pump controller shall be factory assembled and Capacity and Duration. The required fire flows and packaged as a single unit. Separate transfer switches are pressures for buildings shall comply with NFPA 13 and not permitted. The fire pump controller shall be the National Model Building Code. monitored by the fire alarm system.

Fire Pump Design. When a fire pump is necessary to Jockey Pump. A jockey pump shall be utilized where it supplement fire flow and pressure, size it to comply with is desirable to maintain a uniform or relatively high NFPA 13, 14, and 20. For emergency power requirements pressure on the fire protection system. A jockey pump see Chapter 6. shall be sized to make up the allowable leakage rate within 10 minutes or 1 gpm, whichever is larger. Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede the fire pump requirements of NFPA 13, 14, and 20:

• The fire pump shall be sized only for the sprinkler system requirements unless the local responding fire department cannot provide the necessary flow and pressure for manual fire fighting operations (i.e., hose stations). • The fire pump shall be electric motor driven, horizontal split case centrifugal type, unless this is not feasible.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 227 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Water Supply for Fire Protection 7. 9 Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede 7.10 Water Based the design requirements of NFPA 13:

Fire Extinguishing Systems • Sprinkler systems shall be designed using a minimum system design area of 1,500 sq. ft. and shall not be Automatic Sprinkler System Installation decreased below this value. Automatic sprinklers systems shall be installed throughout •In rooms containing movable/mobile shelving (high all new construction projects and in all major renovation density storage) the sprinkler design shall be Ordinary projects in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13, Hazard (Group 2) using quick response sprinklers. the International Building Code, and the appropriate GSA sprinkler system specification. Seismic Protection. Seismic protection shall be installed where required by the International Building Code. Special Requirements: The requirements below supersede the requirements of NFPA 13 and the International Types of Sprinklers Building Code: Quick response sprinklers (QRS) shall be installed in all new construction and renovation projects in accordance • Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all new with the requirements specified in NFPA 13. construction projects and in all renovation projects. This includes elevator machine rooms, boiler rooms, Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede mechanical equipment rooms, walk-in freezers and the requirements of NFPA 13: cold rooms, essential electronic facilities, electrical closets, telephone closets, emergency generator • All sprinklers installed in any new construction or rooms, uninterruptible power service and battery renovation projects shall be both Underwriters rooms, electrical switchgear rooms, transformer vaults, Laboratories Inc. (UL) listed and Factory Mutual telephone exchange (PABX) rooms, etc. Engineering and Research Corporation (FM) approved. • All sprinkler systems shall be wet-pipe sprinkler • All quick response glass bulb sprinklers shall be systems, unless installed in areas subject to freezing. equipped with a protective device to reduce damage • In areas subject to freezing, install dry-pipe sprinkler prior to installation. The protective device shall be systems, dry pendent sprinklers, or provide heat in the removed after sprinklers are installed. space, and/or reroute the sprinkler piping. Heat tape • U.L. listed concealed sprinklers are allowed only when shall not be used on sprinkler piping. approved by the GSA regional fire protection engineer. • Antifreeze sprinkler systems shall not be installed in • Sprinklers equipped with “O-ring” water seals shall any new construction or renovation projects. not be utilized in any new construction or renovation • Pre-action type sprinkler systems shall not be installed projects. in any new construction or renovation projects. • All sprinkler escutcheons installed in any new construction or renovation projects shall be Underwriters Sprinkler System Design Laboratories Inc. (UL) listed or Factory Mutual Sprinkler systems shall be hydraulically calculated in Engineering and Research Corporation (FM) approved. accordance with the requirements specified in NFPA 13.

228 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 10 Water Based Fire Extinguishing Systems Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 • QRS sprinklers shall not be installed in high Special Sprinkler System Requirements temperature areas (e.g., high temperature areas Sprinklers In Spaces Housing Electrical Equipment. defined in NFPA 13 or elevator machine rooms, etc.) in a building. Standard response sprinklers shall be • All elevator machine rooms shall be provided with installed of the appropriate temperature rating. separate manual isolation valves and a separate water • Flow control (On-off) sprinklers shall not be installed in flow switch located outside the room in an accessible any new construction or renovation projects. location. Tamper switches shall be provided on all such • All automatic sprinklers installed less than 7 feet above valves. the floor shall be equipped with sprinkler guards to • All electrical switchgear rooms and transformer vaults provide protection against accidental damage. shall be provided with separate manual isolation valves and a separate water flow switch located outside the Sprinkler Piping System room in an accessible location. Tamper switches shall Sprinkler piping, fittings, control valves, check valves, and be provided on all such valves. drain assemblies shall meet the requirements of NFPA 13. • All essential electronic facilities shall be provided with separate manual isolation valves and a separate water Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede flow switch located outside the room in an accessible the requirements of NFPA 13: location. Tamper switches shall be provided on all such valves. •Black steel piping and/or copper tubing shall be used • Sprinklers installed in electrical rooms and electrical for all wet-pipe sprinkler piping. Chlorinated polyvinyl closets shall be equipped with sprinkler guards to chloride (CPVC) sprinkler piping shall be allowed to be provide protection against accidental damage. installed only when approved by the GSA regional fire protection engineer. Places of Confinement. • Galvanized (internal and external) sprinkler piping shall be used for all dry-pipe sprinkler systems. • QRS institutional sidewall sprinklers shall be installed •Steel pipe sizes 2 inches and smaller shall be Schedule in the corridor outside each of the U.S.M.S. prisoner 40 and shall be threaded. detention cells. • Steel pipe sizes larger than 2 inches shall be minimum • QRS sprinklers shall be located such that the spray Schedule 10. Piping less than Schedule 40 shall be roll pattern of the sprinklers penetrates through the bars grooved. of the cell. • Threadable lightwall pipe shall not be used. • QRS sprinklers shall not be installed inside individual • Piping having a corrosion resistant ratio less than 1 U.S.M.S. prisoner detention cells. shall not be used. •Plain-end fittings shall not be used.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 229 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Water Based Fire Extinguishing Systems 7. 10 7.11 Non-Water Based Fire 7.12 Standpipes and Fire Extinguishing Systems Department Hose Outlets

Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems. Wet chemical Standpipes. Standpipes shall be installed in buildings extinguishing systems shall be installed in all commercial where required by the National Model Building Code. cooking equipment installations, and installed in accordance with NFPA 17A. Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede the requirements of the National Model Building Code: Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems. Dry chemical extinguishing systems shall not be installed in any •All standpipes shall be connected to the ﬁre protection commercial cooking equipment installations. water supply, be permanently pressurized, and be installed in accordance with NFPA 14. Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems. Clean agent • Dry standpipes shall only be permitted in spaces extinguishing systems shall not be installed in any new subject to freezing. construction or renovation projects. • Where standpipe and sprinkler systems are required, a combination sprinkler/standpipe system design shall be provided.

Fire Department Hose Outlets. Each fire main riser shall be provided with 2-1/2 inch fire department hose outlets. Each outlet shall be located in the stair shaft and have a removable 1-1/2 inch adapter and cap. Threads and valves shall be compatible with the local fire department requirements.

230 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 11 Non-Water Based Fire Extinguishing Systems/Standpipes and Hose Outlets Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 7.13 Portable Fire Extinguishers 7.14 Fire Protection and Cabinets for Storage Facilities

Portable ﬁre extinguishers and cabinets shall be installed General Storage. The storage arrangements and in accordance with the requirements of the International protection of a general storage facility shall meet the Building Code. requirements of NFPA 13 and NFPA 231.

Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede Rack Storage. The storage arrangements and protection the requirements of the International Building Code: of a rack storage facility shall meet the requirements of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C. • Portable ﬁre extinguishers and cabinets shall not be installed in common areas, general ofﬁce or court Record Storage. The storage arrangements and protection space when the building is protected throughout with of a record storage facility shall meet the requirements of quick response sprinklers. NFPA 13 and NFPA 232.

• In office buildings protected throughout with quick Archive and Record Center. The storage arrangements response sprinklers, fire extinguishers shall only be and protection of an archive and record center shall meet installed in areas such as mechanical and elevator the requirements of NFPA 13, NFPA 232 and the informa- equipment areas, computer rooms, UPS rooms, tion provided in NFPA 232A and the National Archives generators rooms, kitchen areas, special hazard and Records Administration guidelines as published in the areas, etc. Federal Register, GSA sponsored large scale fire testing.

Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede the requirements of NFPA 232.

• Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout archival storage areas in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 231 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Portable Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets/Fire Protection for Storage Facilities 7.13 Vincent E. McKelvey Federal Building, Menlo Park, CA

Track Files. A track file uses a single aisle to give access to •Clearance between units shall be a minimum 2 inches an otherwise solid group of open-shelf files. Access is when filing system is in the closed position. To gained by moving shelf units on rollers along a track until accomplish this mount bumpers on the face of each the proper unit is exposed. unit. • The back cover of stationary end files shall be solid • The track file system shall be constructed entirely of sheet metal. steel. At least 1.4 mm (18-gauge) sheet metal shall be • For floor loading requirements see Chapter 4. used for all parts of the shelving unit. • The system shall be no more than 2400 mm (8 feet) high, Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage. The and a minimum clearance of 460 mm (18 inches) shall storage arrangements and protection of a flammable be maintained between the top of the shelving and the and combustible liquid storage area shall meet the ceiling. requirements of NFPA 30 and the applicable Factory • The sprinkler density shall be 12.2 (L/min)/ m2 (0.3 Mutual Data Sheets. gpm/sq ft) over 139 m2 (1500 sq ft). Sprinkler spacing shall be 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) maximum.

232 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7.14 Fire Protection for Storage Facilities Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 of each protected area. Each valve shall be provided 7.15 Special Fire Protection with a tamper switch that is connected to the building’s fire alarm system. Requirements • Activation of the sprinkler water flow switch shall disconnect power to the computers and to the HVAC Sprinkler Protection. Each elevator machine room systems with no time delay. shall be provided with a wet-pipe sprinkler system using • The activation of two cross-zoned conventional photo- standard response sprinklers. electric smoke detectors or the activation of one intelligent analog/addressable photoelectric smoke Power Disconnect. Activation of the dedicated elevator detector utilizing early warning smoke detection machine room water flow switch shall simultaneously technology (e.g., smoke detectors having enhanced disconnect all power to the elevator equipment algorithms, fire alarm control panel having capability to within the elevator machine room and notify the fire program individual smoke detector response alarm system of the condition and the location of parameters, or smoke detectors using air sampling the waterflow. technology for use in essential electronic facilities, etc.) within a single protected area shall disconnect Smoke Detectors. Smoke detectors for elevator recall power to the computer equipment and to the HVAC shall be installed in each elevator lobby and each elevator system after a pre-set time delay. machine room.

Essential Electronic Facilities Essential electronic facilities consist of spaces that have high value or mission essential electrical equipment such as mainframe computers or telephone switches with the potential for high dollar loss and/or business interruption. Essential electronic facilities shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 75 and the appropriate GSA computer room ﬁre alarm system speciﬁcation.

Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede the requirements of NFPA 75.

•A wet pipe sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the facility including data storage areas. • Quick response sprinklers shall be used throughout the facility including data storage areas. • The sprinkler system shall have a separate isolation valve and a separate water ﬂow switch located outside

EPA Headquarters

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 233 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Special Fire Protection Requirements 7.15 Elevator Systems earthquake mode emergency condition software is Entrapment Prevention: When the regional ﬁre available on all manufacturer microprocessors. Normally, protection engineer has determined that there may be a the elevator displacement switch initiates the earthquake possibility that occupants may get trapped in an elevator mode emergency condition. When the displacement cab due to the power shut-down of the elevator controller switch is activated, the elevators, if in motion, proceed to prior to complete elevator recall via Phase I Emergency the nearest available landing and park with their doors Recall Operation, earthquake mode emergency condition open and shut down. The project shall incorporate the software shall be incorporated into the project. The installation of heat detector(s) in the elevator machine room(s) to initiate the “earthquake mode” emergency condition software protocol in lieu of or in addition to the elevator displacement switch depending on the seismic region in which the building is located. The heat detectors installed shall have both lower temperature rating and higher sensitivity as compared to the automatic sprinklers within the elevator machine rooms.

The following operating sequence would apply:

• Prior to activation of sprinklers, a signal shall be received from heat detectors in the machine room and the input connected to the elevator controllers. • When the signal is received into the microprocessor, it will activate “earthquake mode”. The “earthquake mode” is available on all manufacturer microprocessors and is required on all elevators in regions of moderate and high seismicity. • When the signal from the heat detector is received, the “earthquake mode” rescue sequence shall be activated. The cars will proceed to the closest available landing and park with their doors open.

Elevator systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/ASME Standard A17.1.

Atrium Smoke Removal System An atrium smoke removal system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code. Additional design guidance may be found in NFPA 92B. Child Care Center

234 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7.15 Special Fire Protection Requirements Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 of non-combustible materials, having non-combustible components (including piping) and non-combustible decks. • Automatic sprinkler protection is required for cooling towers which are constructed of combustible materials, have combustible components (such as PVC ﬁll, louvers, drift eliminators, etc.), or a combustible deck.

Child Care Centers For special ﬁre protection requirements for Child Care Centers see the GSA document Child Care Center Design Guide (PBS-P140).

Courthouses For special ﬁre protection requirements for Courthouses see the document U.S. Courts Design Guide.

Vincent E. McKelvey Federal Building laboratory wing, Menlo Park, CA Border Stations For special fire protection requirements for Border Smoke Control Systems Stations see the document U.S. Border Station Design Smoke control systems shall be designed and installed Guide. in accordance with the International Building Code. Additional design guidance may be found in NFPA 92A, Laboratories the ASHRAE/SFPE manual, Design of Smoke Management Laboratories shall meet the design requirements Systems, and NFPA publication, Smoke Movement and in NFPA 45 and the International Building Code. Control in High Rise Buildings. Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede Fire Protection Requirements for Cooling Towers the requirements of NFPA 45. Cooling towers shall be in accordance with NFPA 214. • Laboratories handling or storing hazardous chemicals, Special Requirements. The requirements below supersede flammable gases, flammable liquids, explosives, and the requirements of NFPA 214. biological laboratories shall not be expanded in existing office buildings. • Cooling towers over 2000 cubic feet in size, having • All chemical laboratories (not photo labs, unless they combustible fill, shall be provided with an automatic utilize large quantities of flammable liquids) shall be deluge sprinkler system. sprinklered, regardless of size. Sprinkler protection • Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be required in shall be calculated to provide a density of 0.15 gpm per cooling towers over 2000 cubic feet in size, constructed sq. ft. over a 3,000 sq. ft. area.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 235 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Special Fire Protection Requirements 7.15 7.16 Emergency Power, 7.17 Fire Alarm Systems

Lighting and Exit Signage Fire Alarm System Installation New and replacement fire alarm systems shall be installed Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Emergency in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, the and standby power shall be installed and meet the International Building Code, and the appropriate GSA fire performance requirements of NFPA 70, NFPA 110, and alarm system specification. NFPA 111. Special Requirements: The design requirements Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be below supersede the requirements of NFPA 72 and the installed and meet the performance requirements of International Building Code: the NFPA 101. •All new and replacement fire alarm systems shall be Exit Signage: Exit signage shall be installed and meet addressable systems as defined in NFPA 72. the performance requirements of the NFPA 101. •All new and replacement fire alarm systems installed in buildings having a total occupant load of 500 or more occupants or subject to 100 or more occupants below the level of exit discharge shall be a voice/alarm communication system. The voice/alarm communication system shall provide an automatic response to the receipt of a signal indicative of a fire emergency. Manual control capability shall also be provided to notify all occupants either on a selective or all-call basis during an emergency. • Fire alarm systems shall not be integrated with other building systems such as building automation, energy management, security, etc. Fire alarm systems shall be self-contained, stand alone systems able to function independently of other building systems. • Each fire alarm system shall be provided with a hardwired mini-computer power conditioner to protect the fire alarm system from electrical surges, spikes, sags, over-voltages, brownouts, and electrical noise. The power conditioner shall be U.L. listed and shall have built in overload protection.

236 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7.16 Emergency Power, Lighting and Exit Signage/Fire Alarm Systems Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 • Wiring supervision for fire alarm systems shall be Smoke Detectors provided as defined in NFPA 72 as follows: Smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with – Interconnected riser loop or network the requirements of NFPA 72, NFPA 90A, and the (Style 7 – Class A) International Building Code. – Initiating device circuits (Style B – Class B) – Signaling line circuit for each floor (Style 4 – Class B) Special Requirements. The design requirements below – Signaling line circuit for network (Style 7 – Class A) supersede the requirements of NFPA 72, NFPA 90A, and – Notification appliance circuits (Style Y – Class B) the International Building Code: • All fire alarm system wiring shall be solid copper and installed in conduit. Stranded wiring shall not be used. • Smoke detectors shall not be installed in each of the • Conduit shall be rigid metal or electrical metallic tubing, following rooms: mechanical equipment, electrical with a minimum inside diameter of 3/4 inch, that utilizes closet, telephone closet, emergency generator room, compression type fittings and couplings. uninterruptible power service and battery rooms, or similar rooms. Manual Fire Alarm Stations • Appropriate type smoke detection shall be installed in Manual fire alarm stations shall be installed in accordance each of the following rooms: electrical switch gear, with the requirements of NFPA 72 and the International transformer vaults and telephone exchanges (PABX). Building Code. Audible Notification Appliances Special Requirements. The design requirements below Performance, location, and mounting of audible supersede the requirements of NFPA 72 and the notification appliances shall be in accordance with the International Building Code: requirements of NFPA 72.

• Manual fire alarm stations shall be double-action and Special Requirements. The design requirements below installed in every facility in accordance with the supersede the requirements of NFPA 72: spacing and location requirements in NFPA 72. •To ensure audible signals are clearly heard, the sound Waterflow level shall be at least 70 dBA throughout the office Waterflow switch(es) shall be installed in accordance space, general building areas and corridors measured with the requirements of NFPA 13, NFPA 72 and the 5 feet above the floor. The sound level in other areas International Building Code. shall be at least 15 dBA above the average sound level or 5 dBA above any noise source lasting 60 seconds Special Requirements. The design requirements below or longer. supersede the requirements of NFPA 72 and the • The design for the placement and location of all audible International Building Code: notification appliances shall be based on the applicable calculation methods contained in The SFPE Handbook •Waterflow switch(es) shall be installed at each floor or of Fire Protection Engineering for calculating sound fire area protected by sprinkler systems. attenuation through doors and walls.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 237 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Fire Alarm Systems 7. 1 7 • Where voice communication systems are provided, fire Fire Alarm Messages for High Rise Occupancies alarm speakers shall be installed in elevator cabs and Upon receipt of any fire alarm signal, the fire alarm system exit stairways; however they shall only be activated to shall automatically activate a distinctive three-pulse broadcast live voice messages (e.g., manual announce- temporal pattern for three (3) cycles followed by the ments only). The automatic voice messages shall be automatic voice messages which shall be repeated until broadcast through the fire alarm speakers on the the control panel is reset (i.e., three-pulse temporal appropriate floors, but not in stairs or elevator cabs. pattern - three-pulse temporal pattern - three-pulse temporal pattern - voice message; three-pulse temporal Visible Notification Appliances pattern - three-pulse temporal pattern - three-pulse Placement and spacing of visible notification appliances temporal pattern - voice message; etc.). shall be in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72. The automatic voice messages shall be broadcast through Special Requirements. The design requirements below the fire alarm speakers on the appropriate floors, but not supersede the requirements of NFPA 72: in stairs or elevator cabs.

•Visual notification appliances shall only be installed in The “Fire Zone” message shall be broadcast through projects that involve the installation of a new fire alarm speakers on the floor of alarm origin, the floor system. immediately above the floor of origin, and the floor •Visual notification appliances shall only be required to immediately below the floor of origin. In addition, the be installed in public and common areas. For the visual alarm indicating circuit(s) shall be activated on the purposes of this requirement, visual notification floor of alarm origin, the floor immediately above the appliances shall not be required to be installed in floor of origin, and one floor immediately below the floor individual offices. Public and common areas include of origin. A first floor alarm shall transmit a “Fire Zone” public rest rooms, reception areas, building core areas, message to all below grade levels. conference rooms, open office areas, etc. •Visual notification appliance circuits shall have a The “Safe Area Zone” message shall simultaneously be minimum of 25 percent spare capacity to accommodate broadcast to all other building floors. However, the visual additional visual notification appliances being added to alarm indicating circuit(s) shall not be activated on these accommodate employees who are deaf or have hearing floors. The “Safe Area Zone” message shall activate for two impairments. complete rounds and silence automatically. After five •Visual notification appliances shall not be installed in minutes, the “Safe Area Zone” message shall automatically exit enclosures (i.e., exit stairs, etc.). start and activate for two complete rounds and silence again. This sequence shall be repeated until the fire alarm system is reset. In the event a subsequent fire alarm is received at the fire alarm control panel by a floor that was previously receiving a “Safe Area Zone” message, this floor shall automatically revert to perform the actions for a “Fire Zone” message.

238 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 1 7 Fire Alarm Systems Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 A live voice message shall override the automatic output Survivability through use of a microphone input at the control panel. Special Requirements. The requirements below are in When using the microphone, live messages shall be addition to the survivability requirements specified in broadcast through speakers in stairs, in elevator cabs, and NFPA 72. throughout a selected floor or floors. All stairwell speakers shall have a dedicated zone activation switch. All elevator • At least two vertical risers shall be installed as remote speakers shall have a dedicated zone activation switch. An as possible from each other. A minimum two-hour fire “All Call” switch shall be provided which activates all rated assembly, shaft, or enclosure, not common to speakers in the building simultaneously. both risers shall protect one riser. A minimum one-hour fire rated assembly, shaft, or enclosure shall protect Messages shall be digitized voice and utilize a professional the second riser. A minimum one-hour fire rated quality male voice and shall be as follows: assembly, shaft, or enclosure shall protect the horizontal interconnection between the two risers. • ”Fire Zone“ Message: ”May I have your attention, •A minimum of two (2) distinct fire alarm audible please. May I have your attention, please. A fire has appliance circuits and a minimum of two (2) distinct been reported which may affect your floor. Please walk visible appliance circuits shall be provided on each to the nearest exit and leave the building. Please do not floor. use the elevators,“ or • Adjacent fire alarm audible and visual appliances shall • ”Fire Zone“ Message: ”May I have your attention, be on separate circuits. please. May I have your attention, please. A fire has been reported which may affect your floor. Please walk Fire Command Center to the nearest exit, walk down ___ floors, re-enter the The fire command center shall be provided in a location building, walk onto the floor, and await further approved by the regional fire protection engineer after instructions. Please do not use the elevators.“ consultation with the local fire department. • ”Safe Area Zone“ Message: ”May I have your attention, please. May I have your attention, please. The equipment and contents of the fire command center A fire has been reported in another area of the building. shall meet the requirements of the International Building You are in a safe area. Please stay in your work area Code. and await further instructions. Please do not use the elevators.“ The fire command center shall be enclosed by 1-hour fire resistant construction. Appropriate lighting, ventilation, Graphic Annunciator and emergency lighting shall be provided. All fire alarm systems shall have at least one graphic annunciator located at the entrance to the building that the fire department enters.

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 239 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Fire Alarm Systems 7. 1 7 7.18 Historic Structures

For an overall fire protection plan and to emphasize the Design Team’s responsibility to address fire protection and to preserve the historic integrity of historic structures, the Design Team shall explore alternative approaches outlined in state rehabilitation codes, International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and performance based codes to resolve conflicts between prescriptive code requirements and preservation goals. In addition, the requirements and recommendations of NFPA 914 shall be considered for rehabilitation projects in historic structures. The Design Team shall also evaluate the HUD Guideline Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies that provides test data on the fire resistance of a variety of historic materials and GSA publication titled Fire Safety Retrofitting in Historic Buildings.

GSA’s regional fire protection engineer serves as the AHJ, who must exercise professional judgement to assess the acceptability of alternative compliance solutions. Early and frequent coordination between the architects, State Historic Preservation Officer, Regional Historic Preservation Officer, preservation specialists, external review groups, and the Design Team’s fire protection engineer is imperative to timely resolution of conflicts between fire safety and preservation goals.

Fire Protection Alternatives for Consideration. Listed below are ﬁre protection alternatives for the Design Team’s ﬁre protection engineer to consider when designing a project:

• New stair enclosures in historic buildings should be designed to minimize visual impact on signiﬁcant spaces, including historic lobbies and corridors. Cross- corridor doors should be designed to provide maximum height and width clearance and avoid visually Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse, Portland, ME

240 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 1 8 Historic Structures Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Spokane Federal Building/U.S. Post Ofﬁce

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 241 Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100 Historic Structures 7. 1 8 truncating the corridor. Oversized hold-open doors will • In historically significant spaces, smoke detectors achieve this end in most circumstances. For more should be carefully placed to minimize destruction of ornamental spaces, accordion rated doors may be ornamental surfaces. Where ceilings are elaborately used. Transparent treatments, such as rated glass embellished, explore alternative detection products and assemblies or historic doors modified to incorporate approaches such as air sampling detection, projected rated glass should be considered when barriers must beam, low profile spot detectors, recessed installation, be kept closed to maintain a rated enclosure. Non- or custom-coating detector housings to blend with prescriptive compliance solutions, such as modification ornamental finishes. Application of special finish of historic door assemblies, must be approved by GSA’s treatments outside of the standard factory process regional fire protection engineer. must be coordinated with, and approved in writing by, the manufacturer to ensure that UL labels and detector • New fire-rated doors in preservation zones should be performance are not compromised. Smoke detector designed to resemble historic doors in panel detailing housings must be removed prior to application of and finish. True-paneled fire doors are preferred for special finishes. replacement of original paneled stair or corridor doors.

• In historically significant spaces, sprinklers should be carefully placed to minimize damage to ornamental materials. Develop detailed drawings for architecturally sensitive areas, showing precise sprinkler locations and finishing notes as necessary to ensure proper installation. Sprinklers should be centered and placed symmetrically in relation to ornamental patterns and architectural features defining the space, such as arched openings.

• Sprinklers and escutcheons should match original architectural surfaces or hardware. Oxidized brass or bronze heads are recommended for use in deeply colored (unpainted) woodwork. In elaborately decorated ceilings, heads should be camouflaged by custom coating and omitting escutcheon plates. In such cases, low proﬁle, quick response sprinklers are preferred.

242 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE 7. 1 8 Historic Structures Revised March 2003 – PBS-P100